Tax season is here and with it are several free tax preparation programs that bring IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers to different communities, including AARP's Tax-Aide program in Imperial County.
Volunteers are leaving the AARP Tax-Aide program over concerns about data and privacy, according to James Martin, chairman and founder of the American Association of Senior Citizens.
“There are some very serious red flags regarding the AARP’s tax program, and American seniors should be extremely cautious when considering whether or not to participate," Martin said in a press release. "Volunteers within the program itself have raised significant data and privacy concerns, and seniors should be aware of these issues as they make decisions regarding their tax filings.”
The 60 Plus Association says that Tax-Aide’s policies give the AARP full access to sensitive information, like a senior citizen’s address, phone number, Social Security number and other private information. New policies may require Tax-Aide participants to disclose their data to the AARP Foundation, without limits on what the foundation might do with it.
When the Tax-Aide Bus comes to Imperial County, it will have space for 13 individuals to have their taxes prepared by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, and while this sounds like a good deal, the 60 Plus Association wants seniors to be sure they’re comfortable with the program’s use of their data before they hand it over.
The Tax-Aide program through the AARP Foundation has helped individuals 50 and older to have their taxes done on time since 1968.